Uyanda Sibiya Calls Out Pharoahfi for Viral Controversy

Uyanda Sibiya, the renowned businesswoman and media personality, has not held back in her condemnation of content creator Pharoahfi following a video that many have deemed offensive to the Deaf community. The uproar began after Pharoahfi shared a viral clip that parodied the sign language interpreter accompanying Minister Gwede Mantashe during his speech at the recent Freedom Day celebrations. The negative reactions were swift and loud, as many criticized the imitation as a demeaning portrayal of South African Sign Language (SASL), which is not only a language but an essential part of the identity and dignity of the Deaf community. Mbuli took to social media to defend the community, fiercely advocating against such disrespectful portrayals that undermine the significance of SASL.

In her impassioned open letter on Instagram, Mbuli addressed the issue head-on, emphasizing the need for accountability and respect towards the Deaf community. She urged South Africans to reject the normalization of mocking SASL for the sake of entertainment and ‘flimsy relevance.’ Her words resounded with a call to action, challenging both the content creator and the audience who might find humor in these antics. “This is not a moment. It’s a movement!” Mbuli declared, encouraging her followers to be part of a collective stand against the marginalization of Deaf individuals, stressing that their language bears profound history and dignity that should never be reduced to a punchline.

As the controversy unfolds, many are awaiting Pharoahfi’s response to the backlash ignited by Mbuli’s statements. The discourse surrounding this incident highlights a critical conversation about the treatment of marginalized communities in media, especially regarding representation and respect. While some may argue that comedy is subjective, Mbuli’s fierce denunciation of the act serves as a reminder that humor must never come at the cost of another’s dignity and rights. The call for justice, as articulated by Mbuli, is a reflection of a larger societal mission to uplift and protect all forms of communication, especially those that have historically faced discrimination.

Summary

Uyanda Sibiya, a businesswoman and media personality, has publicly condemned content creator Pharoahfi for a viral video that mocks the South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreter during Minister Gwede Mantashe’s speech at the Freedom Day celebrations. In an open letter on Instagram, Sibiya criticized Pharoahfi for humiliating the Deaf community in pursuit of fleeting fame, asserting that their language embodies dignity and identity and should not be used as comedic fodder. She emphasized that mocking SASL is not just disrespectful but potentially criminal, urging others to recognize the ongoing marginalization faced by the Deaf community in South Africa. Sibiya called for a collective response to challenge such mockery, reinforcing the idea that the fight for the rights and respect of the Deaf community is an important movement, not merely a moment.